A poor third quarter saw the boys fall behind and then surge home in the last only to have the match end in a 45-all draw.

The game was entertaining and played in the right spirit with the ball moving from end to end under physical pressure from both sides.

Coach Col Lawrence said he was extremely proud of the team.

“We played to our potential and in the end a draw was a fitting result as neither side deserved to lose,” he said.

HARD FOUGHT: Action from one of Shoalhaven under 16’s matches on the weekend.

The second game was a tough draw was against Newcastle, a much bigger and well drilled side.

The Shoalhaven boys were never in the game from the opening bounce but all players competed right to the final siren.

Having played both of the eventual finalists in their round matches, the under 16's did not get a chance to compete in the finals.

Players who stood out were Liam Ryan from Ulladulla, who held the centre for both games against much bigger opponents, Dayne Johnston from Nowra, who was a stand out best on ground against Newcastle, and Liam Dooley from Bay and Basin, who battled manfully in the ruck unchanged.

FAMILY AFFAIR: It was all hands on deck for the Lawrence family Matt, Col, Mitchell and Julie last weekend. It was Mitchell’s sixth representative carnival since he started in under 12s.